Nadal is now the favorite to win the US Open and secure his 19th major, which would move him to just one behind Federer's record of 20 and three ahead of Djokovic, who has 16.

When asked how he felt after the shocking defeat, Federer told reporters, "Just low."

"Just disappointed it's over, because I did feel like I was actually playing really well after a couple of rocky starts," he said.

"It's just a missed opportunity, to some extent, that you're in the lead, you can get through, you have two days off after. It was looking good. But got to take the losses. They're part of the game. Looking forward to family time and all that stuff. So life's all right."

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